Greece

Monemvasia is one reason we chose this Aegean cruise itinerary from Istanbul to Athens. We’d already visited the better-known hot spots of Mykonos and Santorini and the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey. This time, we wanted to explore off-the-beaten-path islands and archaeological sites.

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Government of Canada Travel Advisory

Last Updated: February 26, 2015 15:36 EST1. RECENT UPDATESA minor editorial change was made.2. ADVISORIESVenezuela - Exercise a high degree of cautionThere is no nationwide advisory in effect for Venezuela. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to the significant level of serious crime, such as murder, kidnapping and armed robbery.Regional Advisory for the area within 80 km of the Colombian borderForeign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada advises against all travel within 80 km of the Colombian border due to the threat of kidnapping. See Security for more information.3. SECURITYThe decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada's policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. The Government of Canada will assist you in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at your personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability is high.Colombian border (see Advisory)Colombian guerrillas, who frequently operate on both sides of the border, are suspected in several kidnapping cases. Foreigners have been specifically targeted near the border with Colombia. Cross-border violence, kidnapping, smuggling and drug trafficking occur frequently in remote areas, specifically in the states of Zulia, Táchira, Barinas, Bolívar, Apure, Amazonas, Anzoátegui and Sucre.Demonstrations and political activitiesDemonstrations occur regularly throughout Venezuela, particularly in the cities of Caracas, Barquisimeto, Maracaibo, Merida, Valencia, San Cristobal and Maracay. Violent clashes regularly take place at these demonstrations, especially at night, and have resulted in deaths and numerous injuries. Avoid all demonstrations, large gatherings and public areas where disturbances or violent incidents could occur, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local developments. Do not participate in political discussions or activities in public, or appear to take sides on any local issue related to the current political situation, as doing so could lead to arrest or even deportation.Demonstrations often cause traffic jams in Caracas, especially in the historic centre of Plaza Bolívar (where most government institutions are located), in Plaza Venezuela, in Plaza Francia (Altamira), as well as in major centres throughout the country and on main highways. Do not attempt to cross blockades, even if they appear unattended. During major events, such as large demonstrations, network overload could interrupt local cellular and landline phone services. Other services could also be interrupted. Curfews may be imposed by authorities at any time and should be respected.CrimeVenezuela has one of the world's highest homicide rates. Violent crime, including murder and armed robbery, is prevalent throughout the country, including in national parks and tourist areas. The airport and the surrounding areas have seen an increase in violent crime recently. Violence against foreigners can occur in all regions, both urban and rural.Petty crime is common, particularly in the central and poorer areas of all major cities and on Margarita Island. You should exercise caution in the areas of Sabana Grande and Plaza Venezuela in central Caracas, due to an increase in violent robberies. Pickpockets are active in crowded bus and subway stations. Ensure that your personal belongings and travel documents are secure, including on beaches, in parked vehicles and in hotel rooms. Do not show signs of affluence or display valuables. Thefts from hotel safes have been reported. Use automated banking machines (ABMs) during the day only, choose ABMs in shopping malls or busy residential areas, and stay alert to your surroundings.Incidents of carjacking and kidnapping have increased. Victims are usually forced out of their vehicles at gunpoint or knifepoint and robbed of their money, jewellery and identification. Others have been forced into cars at gunpoint and driven out of the city. They may also be forced to withdraw funds at ABMs and, in some cases, held captive until their families pay a ransom. Victims have been injured, or even killed, for failing to cooperate. While foreigners are not specifically targeted, you should avoid walking or driving in isolated areas, particularly after dark.Exercise caution in dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances, and be especially careful about accepting rides or invitations. Incidents of drugging followed by robbery and assault, including sexual assault, have been reported.Acquaintance rape is a serious problem. In some cases, hotel workers and taxi drivers have been implicated. Anyone who is a victim of a sexual assault should report it immediately to the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy and is strongly advised to file a report with Venezuelan authorities. Note that no criminal investigation is possible without a formal complaint to Venezuelan authorities.Criminals posing as police officers have harassed and extorted money from tourists. There have also been reports of Venezuelan officials at airports, immigration offices and police stations imposing excessive charges. If you experience a problem, you should pay the requested fine, ask for the officer's name, badge number or patrol car number, and report the incident to the Embassy of Canada in Caracas.There have been incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in coastal areas and marinas, some involving a high degree of violence, including murder. Owners of small vessels, including private yachts, should be aware of the risk of attack and take appropriate precautions. For additional information, consult the Live Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.In some areas of Caracas and elsewhere in the country, police presence and response are relatively poor.Food shortagesShortages of basic food items and necessities have led to long line-ups at grocery stores across the country. There have been reports of fighting and theft occurring in line-ups. Exercise caution at supermarkets and maintain a stock of non-perishable food items and water at your hotel/residence.Air transportationAirlines have reduced the number of flights arriving and departing from Venezuela; therefore, flights may be difficult to book and more expensive than normal. You should plan your travel well in advance of your expected departure and contact your travel provider for assistance.See Transportation Safety in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.Road travelTraffic congestion is common in Caracas. Traffic laws are rarely observed due to the lack of police enforcement. You should keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed at all times. Night driving is not recommended due to security concerns, unmarked road damage or construction, and wandering livestock. Stopping at Bolivarian National Guard and police checkpoints is mandatory. Follow all instructions and have vehicle and insurance papers and passports readily available. Vehicles may be searched. There have been incidents of illegal roadblocks set up by armed bandits who stop and rob vehicles.There have been incidents of stone throwing from highway overpasses and bridges near poorer neighbourhoods. Motorists are then robbed after stopping to assess the damage to their vehicle.If an accident occurs, vehicles must not be moved until a traffic police officer fills out a report.Public transportationThe road between Caracas and the Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía is dangerous, and crime increases after dark. Plans for travel to and from all airports should be arranged in advance. Criminals are known to pose as taxi operators. Licensed, radio-dispatched taxis can be organized in advance by hotels or called from the airport. Follow the advice of local authorities regarding transportation and allow sufficient time to reach the airport.You should only use licensed taxis in all areas of Venezuela. These taxis are generally safer than unlicensed taxis, although incidents of robbery and assault, often at gunpoint, have been reported for both licensed and unlicensed taxis. Never accept unsolicited offers of transportation or offers of help with luggage or passenger check-in.Local buses and the subway in Caracas are not recommended due to the possibility of robbery. Incidents have also occurred on intercity buses.4. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSIt is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Venezuelan authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.PassportA valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Venezuela. The passport must be valid for at least six months. A return or onward ticket is required to enter Venezuela.VisaTourist Visa: Not required (for stays of up to 90 days)Business Visa/Work Permit: RequiredStudent Visa: RequiredYou cannot extend your stay beyond the 90-day period except in exceptional circumstances. Remaining in the country beyond this period or without a valid visa could lead to detention or deportation. Ensure that your status is up-to-date at all times. Contact the Servicio Administrativo de Identificación, Migración y Extranjería (SAIME) (in Spanish) for more details.Canadians travelling by land or sea may require a visa from a Venezuelan embassy or consulate before their arrival.Exit taxesTravellers departing from any international airport in the country are required to pay an exit tax and an airport tax. These taxes are included in the cost of plane tickets for flights departing from Simón Bolívar International Airport. Amounts payable and methods of payment vary depending on the airport. Travellers should check with their airline.Dual citizenshipDual citizens must travel with their Canadian and Venezuelan passports. Contact SAIME for information and advice well in advance. If you travel without your Venezuelan passport, immigration officials may ask to see a Venezuelan visa on your Canadian passport or valid Venezuelan identification.Minors (18 years old or under) born in Venezuela, travelling alone must present a notarized letter of consent from both parents. If the child is travelling with only one parent, a notarized letter of consent from the other parent will be needed. The notarized letter of consent must be presented to the immigration authorities upon exiting Venezuela, and must include the child's full name and passport number, the parents' full names, and the child's detailed travel itinerary (including flight numbers and names and addresses of all lodgings). The letter of consent must be written in Spanish.Children and travelMinors who are not Venezuelan citizens, and who overstay the 90-day tourist period when travelling alone, with one parent or with a third party, must provide the same documents as minors born in Venezuela (see above). See Children for more information.Yellow feverSee Health to obtain information on this country's vaccination requirements.5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesDo not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Consult Well on Your Way-A Canadian's Guide to Healthy Travel Abroad for more information.Emergency and ambulance services are very limited and response times are slow, especially in rural areas. Private clinics are available but are considerably more expensive and may demand payment in advance. Most clinics, hospitals and treatment facilities lack equipment and supplies. Even in metropolitan areas, patients are often asked to bring their own medical supplies in order for procedures to be done at the hospitals. All hospitals have run out of x-ray film and all x-rays are provided on CD-ROM along with a written report. Most health care providers do not speak English or French.Pack an extra supply of your prescription or over-the-counter medications in case you are away for longer than expected, as supplies of medicine are limited throughout the country.6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.Illegal drugsPenalties for possession of illegal drugs, including marijuana, include immediate detention, incarceration and lengthy jail terms. All departing visitors are thoroughly screened for drugs by the Bolivarian National Guard.LawsVenezuela has strict regulations concerning the importation of foreign-registered motor vehicles. Offenders face heavy fines and/or confiscation of the vehicle. Before arrival, contact the Embassy of Venezuela for the most up-to-date regulations and procedures.Photography of sensitive installations, including the presidential palace, military sites, government buildings and airports, is prohibited.An International Driving Permit is recommended.CurrencyIn 2008, the denomination of the Venezuelan currency changed from the bolívar to the bolívar fuerte (VEF), abbreviated locally as Bs.F. You should be aware of the value change: 1,000 bolívares correspond to 1 Bs.F.The law prohibits the sale and purchase of any foreign currency outside of authorized institutions, such as currency exchange houses or banks. Be wary of individuals trying to buy your dollars at the airport. Anyone caught exchanging foreign currency is subject to a fine. Banks often restrict transactions to their clients only. Exchange houses may be scarce outside of major cities.Only U.S. dollars can be exchanged, and only at official exchange houses. They cannot be used for transactions. If you are entering or leaving Venezuela with more than US$10,000, you are required to declare it to the authorities. Anyone convicted of selling or purchasing foreign currency above US$20,000 is subject to detention and a fine.The bolívar fuerte cannot be exchanged outside Venezuela. For more information on currency exchange and international transactions, consult the Comisión de Administración de Divisas (in Spanish).Credit cards are generally accepted at major hotels, at resorts and at airports. Many stores do not accept international cards. Identification is required for any credit card transaction. Credit card fraud can occur.7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATEHurricane SeasonThe hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. The National Hurricane Center provides additional information on weather conditions. Stay informed of regional weather forecasts, and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.The rainy season extends from May to December. Heavy rains and landslides can occur during this period. In the event of heavy rains, coastal roads and highways may not be fully operational and some utilities, especially water services, may be disrupted.The littoral cordillera coast of Venezuela (including Caracas) is located in an active seismic zone.